One of London’s best-kept secrets is getting ready to burst into life again this summer, as Summer in the Square returns from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 July. Now in its 11th year, the free festival invites locals, workers and visitors to enjoy a vibrant, joyful celebration of community, creativity and culture in the serene, tucked-away greenery of Portman Square Garden – ordinarily kept as private gardens but opened to the public for the duration of the event.
With the final week of Wimbledon providing a fitting backdrop, festival-goers can expect big screen thrills, world-class food at street prices, thoughtful wellness sessions, joyful family programming – and a new cultural programme that adds a creative spark to every day.
This year, the festival shines a light on imagination and artistic exploration. From Grayson Perry-themed art workshops to a hands-on flag-making community art project, creativity is encouraged in all corners of the square. Families will love the Alice in Wonderland-inspired theatre and activities curated by Marylebone Theatre, and the Central London Samaritans Choir will bring music, joy and important awareness to this year’s festival as our chosen charity partner.
Wimbledon live on the big screen
Nothing says British summer quite like Wimbledon – and at Summer in the Square, you can watch every ace, volley and match point live on the big screen from the comfort of a deck chair in the middle of Portman Square Garden. With centre court drama and strawberries never far away, it’s one of the most popular elements of the week and has become a staple for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a tennis die-hard or just here for the atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to soak up the action in a truly special setting.
Food and drink
Curated by Portman Marylebone, the Guest Kitchen offers a rotating menu of culinary excellence, featuring some of London’s most exciting kitchens:
- Zula Burger kicks off on Tuesday 8 July with their signature burgers and hand-cut fries
- Junsei follows on Thursday with Japanese grilled skewers and rice bowls
- On Friday, enjoy comforting Persian flavours from Seymour Kitchen
- Saturday features The Landmark London, with their indulgent smoked Applewood cheeseburgers
- And on Sunday, La Petite Poissonnerie brings fresh seafood to the square
Drinks will be served up by Home House, bringing summer refreshment to the garden bar throughout the week. They’ll be bringing spritzes, chilled cocktails and effortless elegance to keep visitors hydrated.
Running throughout the week, the street food line-up includes Abol Coffee (Ethiopian organic brews), Nick & Greek (authentic wraps and salads), Master of Grill (modern Bangladeshi bowls), Nimtoh (Korean fried chicken and loaded fries), Naimas (Filipino favourites) and sweet treats from Hamilton Catering’s Dessert Bike.
Wellness and workshops
This year’s festival invites guests to not just watch, but take part. The Churchill Bar will host cocktail tasting sessions where visitors can “become a bartender” and explore the artistry behind their signature serves. Fitness First brings movement to the square with revitalising yoga classes, while anatomē, Chiltern Street’s modern apothecary, offers restorative bath salt blending to awaken the senses.. Whether you’re shaking up a drink, stretching it out, or curating your own moment of calm, it’s all about expression, wellbeing and a little summer indulgence
Our Wellness Den, supported by Derwent London, is back with free or donation based sessions from some of the area’s most talented practitioners. Expect breathwork with Sarah Hyde, mindfulness classes, and opportunities to relax, recharge and reflect.
The cultural and creative programme has been expanded this year, with daily community sessions and hands-on experiences for all ages. Children are catered for too, with a dedicated family area and a mix of storytelling, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. Sponsored by Lazari Investments, the children’s programme is completely free to attend and always a favourite for parents and little ones alike.
A festival rooted in community
Summer in the Square is organised by Baker Street Quarter Partnership, the Business Improvement District that champions and cares for the local area. With a focus on sustainability, creativity and community, the festival is supported by local partners, sponsors and volunteers who share a passion for making Marylebone a place to enjoy and explore.
This year’s festival supports Central London Samaritans, with opportunities across the week to learn about their work and donate to this vital local service. Their unforgettable choir performance will be one of the week’s standout moments.
The Wallace Collection says:
“Since the Wallace Collection opened as a national museum, our mission has been to share our magnificent works of art with as broad an audience as possible. This year, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we are proud to call Marylebone home for well over a century. We are delighted to see that the Collection continues to enrich the local community, inspiring workshops at Summer in the Square. Our exhibition, Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur, the biggest contemporary show at the Wallace Collection to date, is likely to be a summer highlight – visit us to discover over 40 new works created by the legendary artist Grayson Perry, inspired by masterpieces of the museum.”
Justin Korotva, Head of Marketing for Baker St Quarter Partnership says:
“Summer in the Square is a beautiful reflection of the people and places that make Marylebone such a special neighbourhood. Whether you come for the culture, the community or just to unwind with a good coffee and a screen-side view of Wimbledon, there’s something here for everyone.”
Korotva added:
“Summer in the Square is about more than just a good time – though there’s plenty of that too. It’s a celebration of creativity, kindness and connection, right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re getting stuck into an art workshop, chatting over bao buns, or simply pausing to breathe in the Wellness Den, it’s a chance to feel part of something special.”
